AMAZONAS, BRAZIL — A large wildfire has burned more than 200 hectares of vegetation in the Rio Arari region, in the rural area of Itacoatiara, in Amazonas state. The flames have spread to different areas of the forest and have come close to homes and community farming areas.

The smoke has also spread and has affected residents' daily lives as they help fight the fire. According to residents, the fires began more than a month ago and continue to spread through the region, covering an area equivalent to about 280 soccer fields.

The smoke changes direction with the wind and reaches homes, paths and even the Rio Arari. Residents report difficulty breathing, particularly among children and older adults.

Firefighting efforts are taking place in an area that is difficult to access. Volunteers, firefighters and environmental agents have to travel long distances by land and also use boats to reach the affected areas.

In some locations, water is taken from rivers and transported in buckets to the areas where teams are working. Agents are also creating firebreaks, strips of vegetation cleared to try to prevent the flames from spreading.

Drone footage is also being used to identify the most critical areas and guide the movement of the teams. The flames also reached a cattle-raising area. Images recorded at the site show the animals leaving the area affected by the fire.

Residents suspect that some of the fires may have started during the preparation of areas for small-scale farming and then spread out of control. Dry vegetation caused by the drought is facilitating the spread of the flames.

So far, no one has been identified as responsible. The Municipal Environment Department said it will investigate the origin of the fires and seek to identify those responsible.

Amazon Agency